Radiation shield adapters

ABSTRACT

A syringe shield used for containing radioactive drugs in order to reduce healthcare provider&#39;s exposure to radiation or to reduce or eliminate ambient light contamination to optically sensitive components in a syringe.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional No. 61/665,484entitled “Radiation Shield Adapted to Fit a Medical MR Injector Syringe”filed Jun. 28, 2012, and to U.S. Provisional No. 61/656,716 entitled“Radiopharmaceutical Delivery Device”, filed Jun. 7, 2012, each of whichis incorporated by reference herein in its the entirety.

GOVERNMENT INTERESTS

Not applicable

PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not applicable

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not applicable

BACKGROUND

Administration of radioactive pharmaceutical substances or drugs,generally termed radiopharmaceuticals, is often used in the medicalfield to provide information or imagery of internal body structuresand/or functions including, but not limited to, bone, vasculature,organs and organ systems, and other tissue or as therapeutic agents tokill or inhibit the growth of targeted cells or tissue, such as cancercells. Radiopharmaceutical agents used in imaging procedures andtherapeutic procedures typically include highly radioactive nuclides ofshort half-lives and are hazardous to attending medical personnel. Theseagents are toxic and can have physical and/or chemical effects forattending medical personnel such as clinicians, imaging technicians,nurses, and pharmacists. Excessive radiation exposure is harmful toattending medical personnel due to their occupational repeated exposureto the radiopharmaceuticals. The constant and repeated exposure ofmedical personnel and patients to radiopharmaceuticals over an extendedperiod of time is a significant problem in the nuclear medicine field.

Administration of optically sensitive substances is an additionalconcern in the medical field. These substances are often used forimaging purposes and if exposed to ambient light contamination can havereduced function or complete loss of function. It is a significantproblem if these substances become contaminated from ambient light andit is of high importance to have these substances protected fromexposure to ambient light in order to preserve their function beforedelivery to the patient.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments are directed to syringe shields including a firstshield panel having a syringe bore designed an configured to correspondto the shape of a syringe and a second shield panel having a syringebore designed an configured to correspond to the shape of a syringewherein reversible coupling of the first shield panel and the secondshield panel provides a syringe bore configured to encase a syringe andprovide a plunger access bore configured to allow access to a plungerassociated with the syringe. In some embodiments, the first shield paneland the second shield panel may be hingedly attached.

In such embodiments, the first shield panel and the second shield panelmay include or be composed of a radioactive emissions blocking material,and in certain embodiments, a syringe may be completely or nearlycompletely encased by the radioactive emissions blocking material whenthe first shield panel and the second shield panel are coupled. Theradiation emissions blocking material is not limited and can include,but are not limited to, materials such as tungsten, tungsten alloys,molybdenum, molybdenum allows, lead, lead alloys, lead-lined wood,leaded glass, polymer composite materials, ceramic materials, boratedpolymers, and combinations thereof. In other embodiments, the firstshield panel and the second shield panel may include or be composed ofan optical blocking material, and in certain embodiments, a syringe maybe completely or nearly completely encased by the optical blockingmaterial when the first shield and the second shield panel are coupled.The optical blocking material is not limited and can include, but arenot limited to, materials such as metals, metal alloys, wood, darkcolored glass, non-clear polymer composite materials, ceramic materials,or any other material that may block ambient light contamination.

In some embodiments, the syringe bore may be sized to accommodate asyringe having a diameter sufficient to hold 0.5 ml, 1 ml, 3 ml, 5 ml 10ml, 15 ml, 20 ml, 30 ml, 40 ml, 50 ml, 60 ml, and combinations thereof.In particular embodiments, the syringe shield may include an integratedcap, and in other embodiments, the syringe shield may include aremovable cap. In some embodiments, the syringe shield may include asleeve encasing the first shield panel, the second shield panel, orcombinations thereof. In various embodiments, the sleeve is composed ofa material selected from the group consisting of metals, metal alloys,polymeric materials, polymer composites material, and combinationsthereof, and in certain embodiments, the sleeve may be composed ofaluminum or polycarbonate. In particular embodiments, the sleeve may beintegrally attached to each of the first shield panel and the secondshield panel, and such sleeves may be composed of, for example, metals,metal alloys, polymeric materials, polymer composite materials, andcombinations thereof or, in particular embodiments, aluminum orpolycarbonate.

In some embodiments, the syringe shield may include a clamping meansconfigured to connect the first shield panel and the second shieldpanel. In particular embodiments, each of the first shield panel and thesecond shield panel may include hinge extensions and the syringe shieldfurther comprises a hinge pin received by the hinge extensions, and insome embodiments, each of the first shield panel and the second shieldpanel may include one or more connector plates. In some embodiments, thesyringe shield may include a collar configured and arranged toreversibly connect to the first shield panel and the second shield paneland connect the syringe shield to a device or base plate. In someembodiments, the syringe shield may include a carrier handle, and incertain embodiments, the carrier handle may be configured to bereversibly attached to the first and second shield panels.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings,similar symbols typically identify similar components unless contextdictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in thedetailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting.Other embodiments may be utilized and other changes may be made, withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presentedherein. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the presentdisclosure, as generally described herein and illustrated in theFigures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designedin a wide variety of different configurations, all of which areexplicitly contemplated herein.

FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a syringe sleeve with and without a pivotand a sleeve cover.

FIG. 2 is a drawing showing an embodiment of a syringe shield.

FIG. 3A is a drawing showing a second embodiment of a syringe shieldhaving latched, clam shell syringe access.

FIG. 3B is a drawing showing a syringe shield with a forward enlargedportion and a carrier handle

FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a collar syringe shield support.

FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a vertical shield support and cap

FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a shield and support structure mounted on aninjector system.

FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a syringe shield and a carrier handle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before the present compositions and methods are described, it is to beunderstood that they are not limited to the particular compositions,methodologies or protocols described, as these may vary. It is also tobe understood that the terminology used in the description is for thepurpose of describing the particular versions or embodiments only, andis not intended to limit their scope which will be limited only by theappended claims.

It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims,the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural reference unlessthe context clearly dictates otherwise. Unless defined otherwise, alltechnical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings ascommonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Although anymethods and materials similar or equivalent to those described hereincan be used in the practice or testing of embodiments disclosed, thepreferred methods, devices, and materials are now described.

“Optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described eventor circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includesinstances where the event occurs and instances where it does not.

“Substantially no” means that the subsequently described event may occurat most about less than 10% of the time or the subsequently describedcomponent may be at most about less than 10% of the total composition,in some embodiments, and in others, at most about less than 5%, and instill others at most about less than 1%.

For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms “upper,” “lower,”“right,” “left,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “lateral,”“longitudinal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the orientationof embodiments disclosed in the drawing figures. However, it is to beunderstood that embodiments may assume alternative variations and stepsequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is alsoto be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated inthe attached drawings, and described in the following specification, aresimply exemplary embodiments. Hence, specific dimensions and otherphysical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein arenot to be considered as limiting.

It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments may assume variousalternative variations and step sequences, except where expresslyspecified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specificdevices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, anddescribed in the following specification, are simply exemplaryembodiments.

Various embodiments are directed to a syringe shield that is configuredto reduce or eliminate exposure of the operator, subject, or otherinjected organism to radioactive emissions from a radiopharmaceutical ina syringe and to reduce or eliminate ambient light contamination tooptical components in a syringe. In other embodiments, shieldingcomponents may stabilize radiopharmaceuticals or optical tracersthermally and mechanically. For example, shielding components may bedesigned to reduce or eliminate exposure of an optical tracer to lightwhich can quench fluorescence and cause the tracer to become heated orchemically modified over time reducing the optical output or chemical orenzymatic activity of the tracer.

In various embodiments, the syringe shield may include one or moreshield panels, and in some embodiments the one or more shield panels maybe encased by one or more interconnected sleeves to form the syringeshield. In some embodiments, the shield panels and sleeves may beintegrated together such that each sleeve contains a shield panel thatis fixedly attached to the sleeve. In other embodiments, the shieldpanels and sleeves may be separate parts that are designed to becombined around the syringe to create the syringe shield. For example,in some embodiments, two or more shield panels may be placed over asyringe and a hinged sleeve may be placed around the two or more shieldpanels and locked into place over the syringe. The shield may have anynumber of shield panels and sleeve components. For example, in someembodiments, the syringe shield may have 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 shieldpanels and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 sleeve components to encase the shieldpanels.

In some embodiments, the shield panels contain radioactive emissionsblocking material such as, for example, tungsten, tungsten alloys,molybdenum, molybdenum allows, lead, lead alloys, lead-lined wood,leaded glass, polymer composite materials, ceramic materials, boratedpolymers, and the like and combinations thereof In certain embodiments,the one or more shield panels may be tungsten. In some embodiments, thesleeves encasing the panels may be composed of any material includingmetals, metal alloys, polymeric materials, polymer composite materials,and the like and combinations thereof In particular embodiments, thesleeves may be aluminum or polycarbonate. In further embodiments, thesleeves and shield panels may be integrated together. The syringe shieldmay contain little or no magnetic materials and little or noelectronics.

FIG. 1 is an example of a syringe shield having two shield panels 150,160. Each shield panel 150, 160 includes a syringe bore 180 designed anconfigured to correspond to the shape of a syringe. The syringe bore 180may be configured to accommodate any syringe or type of syringe known inthe art, and in some embodiments, the syringe bore may provide auniversal fitting for syringes of various types and sizes. For example,the syringe shield may be intentionally larger than the syringes thatwill likely be used with the syringe shield. In other embodiments, thesize of the syringe bore 180 may closely match the size of the syringeto be used with the syringe shield. For example, in particularembodiments, the syringe bore may be configured to accommodate syringeshaving similar flange sizes and body lengths but different bodydiameters. Therefore, a syringe having a diameter sufficient to allowthe syringe to hold 10 ml, 15 ml, 20 ml, 30 ml, 40 ml, 50 ml, 60 ml, or65 ml and a syringe having a diameter sufficient to allow the syringe tohold 1 ml, 3 ml, 5 ml or 10 ml can be securely held within the syringebore. Alternatively, shield panel 170 may be inserted into bore 180 toprovide the shielding material that closely fits the selected syringe.In such embodiments, 150 and 160 act as sleeves. An element 170 isplaced (generally but not necessarily permanently) into each of 150 and160 to act as the shield panel. FIG. 6 shows the assembled unit.

In some embodiments, the syringe shield may be tapered on a forward endto accommodate the shape of the tapered end of a common syringe, and insuch embodiments, the syringe shield may include an additional smallerbores at tapered end that may provide an access point to the syringewhen the syringe is enclosed within the shield. In some embodiments, theforward end of the syringe shield may be domed such that the tapered endof the syringe is enclosed under the dome, but outer surfaces of thesyringe do not physically contact the domed portion of the syringeshield. As with the tapered forward end, the domed forward end mayinclude an additional bore to provide access to the syringe when thesyringe is encased in the syringe shield.

The aft portion of the syringe shield may be designed to allow thesyringe encased in the syringe shield to be accessed and contacted by adevice for expelling the contents of the syringe such as a piston, rod,or plunger. In some embodiments, such as that depicted in FIG. 1, theaft portion of the syringe shield may be open and continuous with thebore. Thus, any means for expelling the syringe can easily reach thesyringe. In other embodiments, the aft portion of the syringe shield maybe partially enclosed. For example, in some embodiments, the aft portionof each shield panel 150, 160 may be enclosed with a center bore suchthat when the shield panels 150, 160 are combined a circular center boreis provided that allows access to a piston or plunger to contact thesyringe. The size of the circular center bore may vary among embodimentsand may be sufficiently sized to allow access the syringe while blockingat least a portion of the radiation from the syringe or to block ambientlight contamination to optical components in the syringe.

In some embodiments, the shield panels 150, 160 may be connected. Forexample, in some embodiments, the shield panels 150, 160 may be hingedlyattached to one another to produce a clam shell syringe shield. In otherembodiments, the shield panels 150, 160 may be individual devices thatcan be reversibly connected to one another during use. For example, asillustrated in FIG. 1, each shield panel 150, 160 may include one ormore appendages 152, 162, one or more hinge extensions 153, 163, one ormore connector plates 155, and the like or combinations thereof.

In embodiments, such as those shown in FIG. 1, the shield panels 150,160 may contact one another such that the hinge extensions 153, 163interconnect allowing a continuous bore to be created through thealigned hinge extensions 153, 163. A hinge pin (not shown) may be placedthrough the continuous bore facilitating a connection between the shieldpanels 150, 160. In some embodiments, the hinge pin may be permanentlyheld within the continuous bore by, for example, providing a cap orflange on either end of the hinge pin after it has been placed in thecontinuous bore. In other embodiments, the hinge pin may be removable,and in certain embodiments, the hinge pin may include a handle to allowat least one end of the hinge pin to be easily grasped and manipulated.

The shield panels 150, 160 of the example shield illustrated in FIG. 1further include appendages 152, 162 that align when the shield panelsare brought into contact with one another. In some embodiments, one orboth shield panels 150, 160 may include a clasp (not shown) or otherclosure device that is fixedly attached to one of the shield panels 150,160, and is capable of contacting and holding an appendage 152, 162 ofthe other shield panel 150, 160 to effect a reversible connection. Inother embodiments, an appendage 152 on one shield panel 150 may bealigned with an appendage 162 on another shield 160 and a clampingdevice 120 be used to hold the aligned appendages 152, 162 togetherfacilitating a reversible connection. The clamping device 120 can beheld in place using an means known in the art including, for example, atension screw, a spring loaded ball detent, a hinge, various clampingmechanism, and the like or combinations thereof.

The shield panels 150, 160 may further include one or more connectorplates 155. The connector plates 155 are, generally, a lateral extensionor flange extending from one end of the shield panels. In someembodiments, the connector plate 155 may facilitate connection of theshield panels 150, 160 and in certain embodiments, the connector plate155 may facilitate connection between the shield and a device. In someembodiments, the connector plate 155 may fit within a groove on asurface of the device that holds the shield in place on the device. Inother embodiments, a magnet or other electromagnetic connection may bemade between the device and the shield, and in still other embodiments,the connector plate 155 may include one or more orifices 156 throughwhich a connector pin or screw may be passed that operably connects theshield to the device. Devices may be any devices that hold radiation oroptically sensitive components or containers including radioactive oroptically sensitive materials. In certain embodiments, the device may bea fluid delivery device or system, and in some embodiments, such fluiddelivery devices or systems may be designed and configured to deliverradiopharmaceuticals or optically sensitive components.

The connector plate 155 may be separated from one another when theshield panels 150, 160 are connected to form the shield, for example,connector plates may be on opposing sides of the shield. In otherembodiments, the connector plates may contact one another at jointsalong the circumference of the shield to produce a continuous flangearound a circumference of the shield, and in still other embodiments,the, connector plates 155 may be interconnected when the shield panels150, 160 are aligned. For example, a first connector plate 155, may beconfigured to receive the second connector plate (not shown) when theshield panels are aligned such that an orifices 156 on each connectorplate 155 align to produce a continuous opening through which aconnector pin, screw, or bolt can be passed. In such embodiments, theconnector plate may provide both a reversible connection between shieldpanels 150, 160 and a reversible connection to a device. In someembodiments, only one shield panel 150 contains a connector plate 155,which may be used to connect the shield to a mounting support or device.The second shield plate 160 is connected to the first shield plate 150,for example, through hinges 163, 153 and through the connector plate 155of shield panel 150 both panels 150, 160 are connected to a mountingsupport or device.

In some embodiments, an upper or forward portion of the syringe shieldmay be open as illustrated in FIG. 1. In other embodiments, the syringeshield may include an integrated cap that encloses around the forwardend of the shield allowing for minimal emissions from the shieldedsyringe. In such embodiments, the cap may include a bore providingaccess to the nozzle of the syringe. In other embodiments, the aremovable cap may be attached to the shield after the shield panels arein connection with one another. The removable cap may be attached to theshield panels by any means, such as, for example a threaded assembly, asnap enclosure, a slide fit, a vacuum seal, and the like andcombinations thereof As in the integrated cap, the removable cap mayinclude a bore to allow for tubing or other fluid path elements to thenozzle of the syringe. In some embodiments, the bore may include ashoulder to properly position the syringe within the forward portion ofthe syringe shield when being prepared for injection.

In particular embodiments, the syringe shield may include one or moresleeves that cover the shield panels to facilitate attachment of theshield panels and/or improve handling. For example, FIG. 2 shows anotherexample of a syringe shield 20 having an upper housing sleeve 211 and alower housing sleeve 212. In some embodiments, the upper housing sleeve211 and the lower housing sleeve 212 may encase a shield panel 22containing a bore (not shown) capable of housing a syringe 21. Asillustrated in FIG. 2, the syringe shield 20 may include variousaddition housing or sleeve sections. For example, the syringe shield mayinclude one or more removable or hinged segments 208 that encase, forexample, plunger portion of the syringe 21, piston, rod, or other meansfor expelling the contents of the syringe. In some embodiments, theupper housing sleeve 211 may be removeably attached to the lower housingsleeve 212 by any means including, pressure fittings, snaps, screws,clamps, bolts, pins, and the like and combinations thereof, and in otherembodiments, the upper housing sleeve 211 may be fixedly attached to thelower housing sleeve 212 by, for example, welding or gluing. In otherembodiments, the upper housing sleeve 211 and the lower housing sleeve212 may be connected by, for example, a hinge. In still otherembodiments, the upper housing of the syringe shield 20 may include ahinged syringe access door 208 that allows access to part of theinternal segments of the syringe shield 20. For example, as illustratedin FIG. 2 a hinged access door 208 may allow access to the syringe 21such that the user can more easily maneuver the syringe while insertingit into the syringe shield 22. The upper housing sleeve 211 may befixedly attached to the lower housing sleeve 212, for example, the upperhousing sleeve 211 and lower housing sleeve 212 may be hingedly attachedto each other in a clam shell configuration.

In other embodiments, the syringe shield has shield panels which may beincorporated in the sleeves. As illustrated in FIG. 3A, in someembodiments, the syringe shield 30 may be designed to include aradioactive shield panel 311 in the upper housing sleeve 313 and ashield panel 312 in the lower housing sleeve 314. As illustrated in FIG.3A, shield panels 311, 312 may be incorporated into the syringe housingsuch that the syringe 31 is completely or nearly completely encased bythe radioactive emissions blocking material when the syringe shieldsleeves are in the closed position, and the upper housing 313 or anypart thereof can be hingedly attached to the lower housing 314 to allowaccess to the syringe 31. In some embodiments, the syringe bore 315 maybe configured and designed to accommodate a syringe 31. Such a syringebore may include a shoulder 318 positioned to contact a front portion ofthe syringe and syringe bore 315 to provide a means for accessing theoutlet portion of the syringe.

An aft groove 319 associated with the plunger access bore 321 may alsobe provided to accommodate a flanged portion 320 of the syringe 31. Incertain embodiments, the plunger 322 of the syringe or another actuationmeans may fit within an enlarged portion 316 of the shield 30 thatallows user access to the syringe 31 and plunger 322. The enlargedportion of the housing may further accommodate the piston or other partof the actuation component that is configured to associate with theplunger 322 allowing the plunger to advance and retract. In someembodiments, the enlarged portion may include additional shield panelsor extensions of the shield panels 311, 312. In other embodiments, theenlarged portion may not include additional shielding.

While FIG. 3A illustrates a syringe shield 30 having an aft enlargedportion, in certain embodiments, the syringe shield may include aforward enlarged portion 340, as illustrated in FIG. 3B, to encasetubing or other extensions from the syringe. In some embodiments, asillustrated in FIG. 3B the syringe shield may include a forward enlargedportion 340 with an access bore 341 designed to encase a connectorportion 342 of the syringe 31 and a portion of the tubing extending fromthe connector 342 of the syringe 31 to a delivery device. In otherembodiments, the forward enlarged portion 340 may include a lateralaccess bore provided on a side of the forward enlarged portion 340 whilethe forward section of the forward enlarged portion 340 remains enclosedand shielded. Without wishing to be bound by theory, a lateral bore mayallow for a reduction in shine from the forward end of the syringethereby reducing light exposure or potential irradiation of the user orto reduce or eliminate ambient light contamination to opticallysensitive components in a syringe. The forward enlarged portion 340 maybe connected to the syringe shield 30 and form part of the syringeshield 30. In some embodiments, the forward enlarged portion 340 may beseparately attached to the syringe shield 30 and may include a separatehinged portion that allows access to the connector 342 and tubingsection when the syringe 31 is encased in the syringe shield 30. Incertain embodiments, the forward extension 341 may include a lateralexit port 344 through which the tubing section may exit the syringeshield 30. The forward section of the access bore 341 may be enclosedwith a blocking material to reduce shine from the connector 342 andpotential exposure of the user to radiation or to reduce or eliminateambient light contamination to optically sensitive components in asyringe. FIG. 3B additionally shows a syringe shield 31 having a builtin handle 346 which is further described below with FIG. 7.

In some embodiments, a connection between the shield and a device may befacilitated by a locking mechanism that is integrated into the housing.For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the syringe shield 20 of suchembodiments may attach to a delivery injector body (not shown) using asyringe mount system which may include one or more flanges or groovesconfigured to associate with a syringe mount 206. The syringe mount 206of such embodiments may be in any configuration and may include, forexample, buttons, pins, slides, grooves, and the like configured toassociate with the syringe shield 20 to facilitate proper placement ofthe housing on or within the delivery injector body. In otherembodiments, the syringe shield 20 may attach to a delivery injectorbody through a saddle mount which may be shaped to fit within a grooveprovided on the syringe shield 20. In some embodiments, the saddle mountmay include pressure fittings, grooves, pins, buttons, and the like thatfacilitate reversible attachment of the syringe shield 20 to the saddlemount. The saddle mount of such embodiments may be similar to a ski bootconnector in which a first flange on the syringe shield 20 is insertedinto a groove on the saddle mount and a second flange or groove isreceived by hinged clamp that holds the second flange or groove in themount. The hinged clamp may include one or more springs that arepositioned to apply force to the second flange or groove holding it inplace. The hinged clamp may be forced backward by a lateral flange onthe syringe shield that contacts the hinged clamp when, for example, thesyringe shield is pivoted in the saddle mount.

In various embodiments, the syringe mount may be associated with andattached to a framework underlying the housing rather than the housingitself. The framework will generally be composed of a rigid materialthat provides mechanical support for the syringe mount with a syringeshield mounted to the syringe mount and an actuation component mount.Without wishing to be bound by theory, the framework may substantiallyimprove the accuracy and reproducibility of injections by reducing oreliminating flexion that can occur when the syringe mount and/oractuation component are attached to a housing composed of a moreflexible material. In some embodiments, the framework may be composed ofsteel, aluminum, or another metal or metal alloy or high tensilestrength polymer compositions and may be designed to fit within thehousing and provide attachment sites for mechanical components of thedevice in addition to the syringe mount and actuation component.

In certain embodiments, the syringe mount may include a forward grooveor ridge into which a corresponding ridge or groove on the syringeshield fits. The syringe mount may further include rear binding thatassociates with a groove or ridge on the syringe shield. In someembodiments, the binding may include a housing attached to a deliveryinjector body that includes one or more springs positioned to urge aclamp forward against the groove or ridge of the syringe shield to lockthe syringe shield in place when it has been pushed into position.Embodiments are not limited to any particular syringe holder or mount.For example, in some embodiments, the syringe holder may be a deviceconfigured to accept and hold a syringe or vial holding theradiopharmaceutical by removably attaching to the syringe or vial bodyor flanges associated with the syringe or vial. In other embodiments,the syringe holder or mount may be configured to accept and hold asecondary device housing a syringe or vial including aradiopharmaceutical.

In certain embodiments, the syringe shield may be attached to a deliveryinjector body using a collar syringe shield support, and the like orcombinations thereof. For example, FIG. 4 is an example of a base plate40 configured to connect with the syringe shield described above withreference to FIG. 1. Such base plates 40 may be an integral part of adevice onto which the syringe shield is designed to interact, or in someembodiments, such base plates 40 may be made as a separate componentthat can be attached to existing devices as an adapter. Thus, in someembodiments, the base plate 40 may include flanges, holes, clamps,appendages, and the like or other components and combinations thereoffor attaching the base plate to the device.

The base plates 40 of such embodiments may generally include one or moreorifices 402, 404 positioned to allow actuation devices from the deviceto contact the syringe or a plunger, stopper, or piston associated withthe syringe to expel the contents of the syringe. The base plate 40 mayfurther include a means for attaching the syringe shield to the baseplate. For example, in some embodiments, the one or more orifices 402,404 may include grooves or threads that correspond with grooves orthreads on the syringe shield and allow the syringe shield to be screwedinto the base plate. In other embodiments, holes may be provided nearthe orifices 402, 404 that are configured to receive a pin or screwwhich is received by the orifices in a connector plate (155 and 156 inFIG. 1), and attach the syringe shield to the base plate 40.

In some embodiments, the collar syringe shield support is designed tofit over and around the front of a delivery injector body to avoidmodification to the injector and to provide free access of the syringesto the injector head for syringe mounting, while providing a relativelyimmovable base to which to attach the syringe shield. For example, FIG.5 provides a two piece collar 501, 502 that is designed and configuredto encircle a portion of a device, and this collar assembly may beattached to the base plate of the collar syringe shield support by anattachment extension 503. More specifically, the base plate may bereceived by an opening in the collar mount 501 and used to secure thebase plate in place using screws, pins, or another attachment means. Thecollar mount 501 may include one or more attachment extensions 503 thatincludes a means for attaching the collar to the base plate. Asillustrated in FIG. 5, the attachment means includes a groove 504 and ascrew-plate 505 that is configured to fit over and connect with anappendage or flange on the base plate. Screws, pins, or anotherattachment means can be introduced through the screw-plate 505 intocorresponding holes or orifices in the appendage or flange on the baseplate to connect the collar syringe shield assembly to the base plate.In a particular embodiment, the syringe shield may be permanently ortemporarily attached to a Medrad Spectris Solaris EP injector or similarfluid delivery systems to provide shielding for a drug containingsyringe.

In some embodiments, the collar syringe shield assembly may be pivotedon the appendage or flange of the base plate to allow the position ofthe syringe to change during use without disassembling thecollar/syringe shield assembly or removing the collar from the appendageor flange, as shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 6 shows the components of FIG. 4 andFIG. 5 with a syringe shield of FIG. 1 and syringes mounted onto adevice. In particular embodiments, the syringe shield can be selectivelymoved by the operator into a position 601 where the syringe shield isaround a syringe, or be moved to a second position 602 for storage onthe injector head where it is not surrounding or shielding the syringe.In some embodiments, a locking pin 603 may be provided that fits intoholes in the collar syringe shield support, enabling the shield to belocked into position either around a syringe or in a second, storageposition not surrounding a syringe. In other embodiments, the lockingpin is spring loaded so that it is a part of the syringe shield and notremovable such that the pin can be pulled out and spring into the holewhen it is moved to the correct position, or the locking pin can berotated 90 degrees to hold it in the disengaged position to facilitateeasier movement between the deployed and stored position and then turned90 degrees again to engage the hole.

Further embodiments include a carrier handle 730 designed to attach tothe syringe shield to ease transport of the radiopharmaceutical andreduce exposure to the person carrying the syringe shield. For example,as illustrated in FIG. 7, in some embodiments, a carrier handle 730 mayinclude a tubing bore cover 731 configured and arranged to fit withinthe tubing bore 715 and/or a groove, flange, 732 or other attachmentmeans associated with the tubing bore. The carrier handle may furtherinclude a plunger cover 734 configured and arranged to associate withthe enlarged portion of the syringe housing 711 by, for example,contacting the housing within the enlarged portion of the housing 711.In some embodiments, the tubing bore cover 731 and/or the plunger cover734 may include a material capable of blocking radioactive emissionsthat is positioned to block emission that could otherwise escape throughthe tubing bore 715 and the plunger access point 716. In particularembodiments, the carrier handle 730 may include a carrier body 735 thatincludes a grip portion 736 and the plunger cover 734. The tubing borecover 731 may be hingedly attached to the carrier body and may include alever or button 737 that is configured to allow the tubing bore cover tobe released from the tubing bore 715 or corresponding flanges andgrooves 732 on the housing 711 when the lever or button is depressed.

In operation, the user may grasp the syringe shield 711 by positioningthe plunger cover 734 within the plunger access point 716 or within theenlarged portion of the syringe shield 711 while the lever or button 737is depressed. The tubing bore cover 731 may be positioned over thetubing bore 715 and the lever or button 737 can be released such thatthe tubing bore cover 731 is properly positioned within the tubing bore715 and corresponding grooves 732. The carrier handle 730 is therebysufficiently connected to the syringe shield to allow the user to easilypick up and transport the syringe shield 711 without actually touchingthe housing itself. To remove the carrier handle 730, the user canposition the syringe shield 711 within a delivery injector body to allowthe syringe shield 711 to connect to a syringe mount. The lever orbutton 737 may be depressed releasing the tubing access bore cover 731from the tubing access bore 715 and corresponding groove 732, and theuser may rotate the carrier handle 730 such that the plunger cover 734is removed from the plunger access point 716 and enlarged portion of thesyringe shield 711. Finally, the carrier handle 730 can be withdrawnfrom the syringe shield 711 while the syringe shield 711 remains mountedon a delivery injector body. Exposure to radioactive emissions fromradiopharmaceutical minimalized during transport, and only occurs duringloading of the syringe into the syringe shield 711 and installation ofthe tubing sections after the carrier handle 730 has been removed.

The carrier handle 730 and syringe shield 711 may be made from anymaterial. For example, the carrier handle 730 and syringe shield 711 maybe made from a metal, a polymeric material, or combinations thereof. Incertain embodiments, the carrier handle 730 may be prepared from a rigidpolymeric material such as a polycarbonate that may reduce the weight ofthe combined syringe shield 711 and the carrier handle 730, while thesyringe shield 711 may be prepared from a metal or other material thatis capable of blocking radioactive emissions such as tungsten or lead.In still other embodiments, the syringe shield 711 may be made from ametal such as tungsten or lead that is covered in a polymeric materialsuch as a polycarbonate or light weight metal such as aluminum. In stillother embodiments, the syringe shield 711 may include a pigment or dyeat eliminates exposure of optical tracers to light. For example, inembodiments in which an optical tracer is delivered using the deliverydevice, the syringe shield 711 may be prepared exclusively from anopaque or colored to absorb particular wavelengths of light to reducedecay of the optical tracer. In such embodiments, the syringe shield 711may not include a metal or other material to block radioactiveemissions, and the radioactive emissions blocking material 712 portionof the devices illustrated may be omitted and replaced with, forexample, a polymeric material.

The systems that incorporate the syringe shield of the variousembodiments may be configured to deliver any radiopharmaceutical knownin the art, and the radiopharmaceutical may be delivered alone or incombination with another pharmaceutical composition. For example, insome embodiments, the system may be designed and configured to deliver⁴⁷Ca—Ca², ¹¹C-L-methyl-methionine, ¹⁴C-glycocholic acid ¹⁴C-para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), ¹⁴C-urea, ¹⁴C-d-xylose, ⁵¹Cr-red blood cells,⁵¹Cr—Cr³⁺, ⁵¹Cr-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA),⁵⁷Co-cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12), ⁵⁸Co-cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12),¹⁶⁹Er-colloid, ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG), ¹⁸F-fluoride,¹⁸F-fluorocholine, ⁶⁸Ga-dotatoc or dotatate, ³H-water,¹¹¹In-diethylenetriaminepenta-acetic acid (DTPA), ¹¹¹In-leukocytes,¹¹¹In-platelets, ¹¹¹In-pentetreotide, ¹¹¹In-octreotide, ¹²³I-iodide,¹²³I-o-iodohippurate, ¹²³I-m-iodobenzylguanidine (MIBG), ¹²³I-FP-CIT,¹²⁵I-fibrinogen, ¹³¹I-iodide, ¹³¹I-iodide, ¹³¹I-m-iodobenzylguanidine(MIBG), ⁵⁹Fe—Fe²⁺ or Fe³⁺, ⁸¹mKr-aqueous, ¹³N-ammonia, ¹⁵0-water,³²P-phosphate, ⁸²Rb-chloride,¹⁵³Sm-ethylenediaminotetramethylenephosphoric acid (EDTMP),⁷⁵Se-elenorcholesterol, ⁷⁵Se-23-Seleno-25-homo-tauro-cholate (SeHCAT),²²Na—Na+, ²⁴Na—Na+, ⁸⁹Sr-chloride, ⁹⁹mTc-pertechnetate, ⁹⁹mTc-humanalbumin, ⁹⁹mTc-human albumin macroaggregates or microspheres,⁹⁹mTc-phosphonates and phosphate, ⁹⁹mTc-diethylenetriaminepenta-aceticacid (DTPA), ⁹⁹mTc-dimercaptosuccinic acid (V) (DMSA),⁹⁹mTc-dimercaptosuccinic acid (III) (DMSA), ⁹⁹mTc-colloid, ⁹⁹mTc-hepaticiminodiacetic acid (HIDA), ⁹⁹mTc-denatured red bood cells, ⁹⁹mTc-redblood cells, ⁹⁹mTc-mercaptoacetyltriglycine (MAG3), ⁹⁹mTc-exametazime,⁹⁹mTc-sestamibi (MIBI-methoxy isobutyl isonitrile), ⁹⁹mTc-sulesomab(IMMU-MN3 murine Fab′-SH antigranulocyte monoclonal antibody fragments),⁹⁹mTc-human immunoglobulin, ⁹⁹mTc-tetrofosmin, ⁹⁹mTc-ethyl cysteinatedimer (ECD), ²⁰¹Tl-n+, ¹³³Xe in isotonic sodium chloride solution,⁹⁰Y-silicate, and the like and combinations thereof. In certainembodiments, the system may be configured for delivery ofradiopharmaceuticals for imaging myocardial or other cardiovascularconditions. In such embodiments, the system may be configured to deliver¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG), ¹³N-ammonia, ¹⁵0-Water, ⁸²Rb-Chloride,⁹⁹mTc-pertechnetate, ⁹⁹mTc-human albumin, ⁹⁹ mTc-human albuminmacroaggregates or microspheres, ⁹⁹mTc-diethylenetriaminepenta-aceticacid (DTPA), ⁹⁹mTc-denatured red bood cells, ⁹⁹mTc-red blood cells,⁹⁹mTc-exametazime, ⁹⁹mTc-sestamibi (MIBI-methoxy isobutyl isonitrile),⁹⁹mTc-tetrofosmin, ²⁰¹Tl-Tl⁺, and the like and combinations thereof.

Optical tracers used in various embodiments, may be derived from anysource. For example, in some embodiments, the optical tracer may be afluorochrome, green fluorescent protein, red fluorescent protein, andluciferin or any other bioluminescent molecule isolated from, forexample, ctenophores, coelenterases, mollusca, fish, ostracods, insects,bacteria, crustacea, annelids, and earthworms. In particularembodiments, the optical tracer may be isolated from fireflies,Mnemiopsis, Beroe ovata, Aequorea, Obelia, Pelagia, Renilla, PholasAristostomias, Pachystomias, Poricthys, Cypridina, Aristostomias,Pachystomias, Malacosteus, Gonadostomias, Gaussia, Watensia, Halisturia,Vampire squid, Glyphus, Mycotophids, Vinciguerria, Howella,Florenciella, Chaudiodus, Melanocostus, Sea Pens, Chiroteuthis,Eucleoteuthis, Onychoteuthis, Watasenia, cuttlefish, Sepiolina,Oplophorus, Acanthophyra, Sergestes, Gnathophausia, Argyropelecus,Yarella, Diaphus, Gonadostomias, Ptilosarcus, or Neoscopelus, and incertain embodiments, the optical tracer may be luciferin orcoelentrazine.

In some embodiments, the system may be configured to administer a singleradiopharmaceutical composition, and in other embodiments the system maybe configured to deliver two or more different radiopharmaceuticals. Inembodiments in which the system is configured to deliver multipleradiopharmaceuticals, the system may allow the operator to switchconfigurations depending on the intended procedure. The amount ofradiopharmaceutical delivered by the system may vary among embodimentsand based on the protocol being used. Generally, a doctor, technician,or other qualified personnel can determine an appropriate amount of theradiopharmaceutical to be delivered to a particular subject usingmetrics regarding the subject known in the art. Because of theflexibility of the system, any amount of radiopharmaceutical can bedelivered.

Although various embodiments have been described in detail for thepurpose of illustration, it is to be understood that such detail issolely for that purpose and that the disclosure is not limited to thedisclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to covermodifications and equivalent arrangements. For example, it is to beunderstood that this disclosure contemplates that, to the extentpossible, one or more features of any embodiment can be combined withone or more features of any other embodiment. It is also to beunderstood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in theattached drawings, and described in the following specification, aresimply exemplary embodiments.

1. A syringe shield comprising: a first shield panel having a syringebore designed and configured to correspond to the shape of a syringe;and a second shield panel having a syringe bore designed and configuredto correspond to the shape of a syringe; wherein reversible coupling ofthe first shield panel and the second shield panel provides a syringebore configured to encase a syringe and provide a plunger access boreconfigured to allow access to a plunger associated with the syringe. 2.The syringe shield of claim 1, wherein the first shield panel and thesecond shield panel are hingedly attached.
 3. The syringe shield ofclaim 1, further first shield panel and the second shield panel comprisea radioactive emissions blocking material.
 4. The syringe shield ofclaim 3, wherein a syringe is completely or nearly completely encased bythe radioactive emissions blocking material when the first shield paneland the second shield panel are coupled.
 5. The syringe shield of claim3, wherein the radioactive emissions blocking material is selected fromthe group consisting of tungsten, tungsten alloys, molybdenum,molybdenum alloys, lead, lead alloys, lead-lined wood, leaded glass,polymer composite materials, ceramic materials, borated polymers, andcombinations thereof.
 6. The syringe shield of claim 1, wherein thesyringe bore is sized to accommodate a syringe having a diametersufficient to hold 0.5 ml, 1 ml, 3 ml, 5 ml 10 ml, 15 ml, 20 ml, 30 ml,40 ml, 50 ml, 60 ml, and combinations thereof.
 7. The syringe shield ofclaim 1, further comprising an integrated cap.
 8. The syringe shield ofclaim 1, further comprising a removable cap.
 9. The syringe shield ofclaim 1, further comprising a sleeve encasing the first shield panel,the second shield panel, and combinations thereof.
 10. The syringeshield of claim 9, wherein the sleeve is composed of a material selectedfrom the group consisting of metals, metal alloys, polymeric materials,polymer composites material, and combinations thereof.
 11. The syringeshield of claim 9, wherein the sleeve is composed of aluminum orpolycarbonate.
 12. The syringe shield of claim 1, further comprising asleeve integrally attached to each of the first shield panel and thesecond shield panel.
 13. The syringe shield of claim 12, wherein thesleeve is composed of a material selected from the group consisting ofmetals, metal alloys, polymeric materials, polymer composite materials,and combinations thereof.
 14. The syringe shield of claim 12, whereinthe sleeve is composed of aluminum or polycarbonate.
 15. The syringeshield of claim 1, further comprising a clamping means configured toconnect the first shield panel and the second shield panel.
 16. Thesyringe shield of claim 1, wherein each of the first shield panel andthe second shield panel further comprise hinge extensions and thesyringe shield further comprises a hinge pin received by the hingeextensions.
 17. The syringe shield of claim 1, wherein each of the firstshield panel and the second shield panel further comprise one or moreconnector plates.
 18. The syringe shield of claim 1, further comprisinga collar configured and arranged to reversibly connect to the firstshield panel and the second shield panel and connect the syringe shieldto a device or base plate.
 19. The syringe shield of claim 1, furthercomprising a carrier handle.